With the nickname Cookie Monster and a lover of desserts, I am thrilled that there are a gazillion recipes for cookies, cakes, pastries, etc. Probably hundreds for chocolate chip cookies alone!

When it comes to the gospel, however, the Apostle Paul made it clear that there is only one recipe for salvation, only one gospel. The Galatian churches in the first century had been infiltrated with false teachers who had suggested that something else was needed beyond the Lord Jesus Christ dying on the cross for our sins in order for people to be saved.

These false teachers from the Jewish faith wanted to require non-Jews to follow some Jewish laws and traditions. Simply put, they wanted to add works to God’s gift of grace.

Paul strongly reminded the early church leaders, including those who had been with Jesus, that no one could be justified or made righteous by following the law because all are sinners. Instead he clarified, “So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law” (Galatians 2:16).

In another letter, Paul wrote, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Multiple gospels? No. Paul states that if anyone preaches a gospel other than salvation through Jesus Christ, it is no gospel at all. Gospel means good news. Religions that teach there are ‘works’ you have to do in order to be saved are ‘bad news.’

Jesus did the work. It is done. Believe in Him. There is nothing else you have to do to earn your salvation.

May you receive His gift with joy!